The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1887-07-01

matter of the bill of sale in particular.
When Michael Angelo came in, she
told him of the Jews visit and the
proposition he had made.
HE has changed his mind pretty
quickly remarked Megilp. .This
morning he would have nothing to say
to my proposal. Besides Els is very
little to get in hard cash, so shall
certainly wait for few days before
decide. Carper promised to speak a
good word for me to dealer he
knows. !"
A day or two afterwards Mr.. Abram
Levi presented himself at Megilp's
studio, and found the artist putting a
few final touches to 'sChloe Counting
Her Chickens. y He surveyed the
picture attentively for some minutes.
and then, turning to Michael Angelo,
he blandly offered him f100 for it.
"Why, I've had the offer of as good
as f325 for it already" exclaimed the
artist, Indignantly.
Mr.. Levi pricked up his ears.
"Hullo! somebody has got the start
of me-" he thought, ruefuIly. Who
the deuce can it be?n
"Well, l don't mind giving you f15O
for it-and perhaps you've something
else it may suit me to buy he said,
with glance round the studio.
whats this?n he added, going up
to large picture, very handsomely
framed, but turned with face to the
wall.
GA picture | sent in to Burling-
! ton House last year, but it wasn't ac-
cepted," stammered Michael Angelo.
. Humph! | don't wonder. What S
the name of it?n went on the dealer,
reading the legend inscribed on the
frame, Margaret Mending her
Stockings "No, that won't suit
me; it's a big, ugly thing, and shock
ingly raw. You've done better work
| since -
i" All of which is sold.n interrupted
Megilp, in a huffed tone, Except this
little thing Sour Grapes.
But again the dealer shook his head,
and took his stand before the easel on
which stood Chloe
""Tll give you G30O for it," he said
at last.
Michael Angelo hesitated. He would
rather Levi had the picture than
Zerubbabel; but it seemed hard that
he should make no present profit out
of this-his best work. Every penny
of the $500 would be swallowed up in
getting clear of that unfortunate bill
of sale!
"Give me week to think it over"
he said at last, turning abruptly
round to the dealer.
In doing SO, he caught his foot in
the support of the easel, and the
picture fell heavily to the ground.
Good Heavens, what have you
done?" cried Mr.. Levi. Poor Michael
Angelo was too frightened to speak.
Together they picked up the picture.
Fortunately, the canvass was not dam
aged, but large corner of the frame
was Clipped off.
That's soon remedied," said Mr..
Levi. "a new frame won't cost
much. But, MI. Megilp, hope you'll
think over my offer; it may lead to
further business, you know" he
added, amiably. And he left the art
list standing, with rather rueful air,
before his cherished picture.
"What has happened, AngyP !
heard something fall. What has Mr..
Levi offered you9 Oh, what a pity!-
the beautiful Frame" said Mrs. Meg
lip, bustllng into the studio. But with
out waiting for answers to her ques-
tons, she went on: 1--WE just had a
letter from Aunt Jane, and she wants
us to spend from Saturday to Monday
with her. Do let me accept, dear.
You look quite pale from overwork.
and so long for sight of the coun-
try. Do let's get away from these
money-lenders and people, and have
| holiday. I'm sure we both want it. y
"Levi has offered me 93O0for Chloe, y
began Megilp, gravely.
"Why, that's worse than Mr.. Zerub-
babel but about Aunt James invita-
ton, Angy. May accept"
Megilp never could refuse his wife
any thing. She had evidently set her
heart upon the visit, so, though he
didn't like leaving town at such a
critical moment, he let her have her
own way; and the note accepting Aunt
James invitation was written and posted
forthwith.
Having called at the picture-framer' S
and ordered new frame for ''Chloe,"
and left the key of the studio with
Mary Anne, the housemaid, with direc-
tions to hand over the picture to Mr..
Ormolus representative, Megilp, and
his wife left town the following after
noon and spent delightfully."- quiet
Sunday with Aunt Jane at her cottage
in Sussex.
Late on Monday evening the Megilps
returned home. Amy one called while
we were away? Any letters, Mary
Anne?" Mrs. Megilp asked, as the
neat hand-maiden met her at the door.
"Oh. yes, mum, if you please re-
piled Mary Anne, volubly. "On Sat
urday, soon after you and master left,
Mr.. Ormolu's young man came for the
picture-the pretty one with the chick.
ems; and this morning came dark
gentleman-a-. Jewish gentleman, ]
should say, mum-the same as called
the other evening when master was out.
And he asst me if he could see masters
pictures; and said yes, thought he
could, and | showed him into the draw
ing-room. | hope | did right, sir, y
she added, turning to Megilp.
"Quite right. Which pictures did
you show him, Mary Anne?''
/" i asst him to wait minute" re-
sumed the girl. smoothing her apron
complacently, "and l made the studio
look quite nice before showed him in.
lifted the big picture-the one of the